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The Cat Inn, West Hoathly,

The Cat Inn

4.9
4.9
1957 Reviews
£25 and under
Contemporary British

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2 people
23:30
Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is in within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath and only 25 minutes from Gatwick Airport.

The Pub with its oak beams and two inglenook fireplaces proffers a warm and cosy atmosphere in the winter, whilst our terrace is perfect to enjoy a drink and food in the summer months. Being a free house we pride ourselves in the quality of our real ale, and concentrate on local breweries, such as Harvey's of Lewes and other micro breweries. Our food is cooked to order, using fresh, seasonal and where possible locally sourced ingredients. Our menus change on a regular basis and we also offer a small selection of seasonal specials on a daily basis.

We welcome children over the age of 7. Dogs are welcome in the "pub" area of the Cat, they are not permitted in the dining room

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00–14:00 Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–15:30 Dinner Wed–Sat 18:00–20:30
  • Phone number
    01342 810369
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Suphi Ergin
  • Area
    East Grinstead
  • Parking details
    Sizable car park to rear of pub, and ample free parking in the village.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,957 people are saying

The Cat Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • West Sussex

    Best Overall

  • West Sussex

    Best Food

  • West Sussex

    Best Service

  • West Sussex

    Best Ambience

  • West Sussex

    Best Value

  • West Sussex

    Good for business meals

  • West Sussex

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • West Sussex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • West Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • West Sussex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Cat Inn offers a "wonderful dining experience" with "outstanding" food, "exceptional service," and a "fabulous atmosphere." Guests rave about the "superb" menu, featuring locally-sourced ingredients, and the "friendly and attentive" staff. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. Ideal for special occasions, this "idyllic country pub" never disappoints.

1,957 Reviews
  1. SallyOasisPaintings

    East Sussex8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a treasure and exudes good taste. An instantly warm welcome from interested, intelligent and engaging staff. Good to meet Andrew who’s running it with grace and professionalism, honed from years of experience in Michelin starred places. The conservatory dining area is an elegant, nicely illuminated, well laid out and acoustically friendly area, ideal for conversation and thank goodness, with no mindless music, just the gentle hubbub of gastronomic appreciation. We had lunch with our octogenarian relative. I chose the vegan, butternut squash terrine….an exquisitely delicious triumph, the best I’ve ever eaten and a work of art! My husband’s burger, sumptuous beef, excellently seasoned, in a delightful brioche bun with beautiful chips. My mother in law chose gammon, perfectly tender and a ‘just right’ portion. Afterwards, very good coffee as our digestive. Later, we walked through to the older part of the pub and found a wonderful fireplace and cosy, seating areas that we’ll look forward to trying next time. This really is the nicest pub/restaurant and a discerning gourmet’s choice. We loved it and will be back.

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  2. Keith

    East Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The whole experience was first class, the staff were superb and always on hand checking everything was OK. The food was cooked and presented beautifully The lunch service had a buzz without being overcrowed.

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  3. Karen

    West Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything about the Cat Inn is exceptional. The staff, the food, ambience. Our first visit to the Cat Inn. Well worth the hours drive to get there. Sunday Lunch a must.....

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  4. Sandie

    Brighton5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual wonderful service, the staff are so attentive, warm and really care about the choices you make. Lovely new Spring menu with great selections and specials. Save room for dessert as they are five* We always leave satisfied and looking forward to return.

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  5. Nick VIP

    West Sussex7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Cat is an amazing little cal pub that continues to evolve. The food and the service ensure we are regulars......Just don't tell anyone 😉

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  6. sallyanne VIP

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful fresh, sweet whitebait and the most delicious sauce on the skate wing ,very lively and full of fun .

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  7. Beverly

    West Sussex3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, wine and service (including a Vegan Passionfruit cheesecake to die for!!)

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  8. Elaine

    London1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 6 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere Good food and friendly, helpful service

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  9. Celia

    West Sussex1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 6 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a delicious lunch at The Cat Inn; can highly recommend the food. All the staff were very pleasant and helpful.

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  10. Elliot

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, great service and lovely pub all round. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cat Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 1957 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
23:30
Booked 10 times today
Google Map for The Cat Inn

North Street, West Hoathly, RH19 4PP

Additional information

  • Area
    East Grinstead
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00–14:00 Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–15:30 Dinner Wed–Sat 18:00–20:30
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Sizable car park to rear of pub, and ample free parking in the village.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Suphi Ergin
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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